1 can (8-ounce) of chunked pineapple, including juice (in juice, not corn syrup), or ½ cup each of juice and diced pineapple

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon granulated onion

1 teaspoon granulated garlic

1 teaspoon ground paprika (plain or smoky flavor)

If you miss the tangy, sweet flavor of BBQ sauce, but not all the salt and sugar, you will love this recipe. It’s easy to make and uses pineapple as its secret ingredient.

Instructions:

Place the pitted and chopped dates into a blender with the ¾ cups water to soften.

In a large soup pot or skillet, sauté the onion in a tablespoon or two of water, just enough so that it does not stick, for 2 minutes until soft. Turn heat to medium-low, and add the chopped greens and beans, and cook for a 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

In the blender, add to the water and dates: the tomato paste, pineapple and juice, apple cider vinegar, mustard, granulated onion and garlic, and paprika. Blend until smooth, about 30 seconds.

Add the sauce to the pot of onions, beans and greens, and stir until evenly mixed. Cook on low for 5 to 10 minutes to incorporate the flavors, then serve.

Chef’s notes:

Spice it up: If you like a hot and spicy sauce, add ½ to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or other hot-n-spicy blend of your choice.

Baked Beans: You may also transfer the finished recipe into a baking dish for “baked beans.” Bake covered for 30 minutes at 375ºF.

Katie Mae is a plant-based nutritionist and culinary instructor. Her passion is supporting people to nourish and revitalize their bodies, minds, and spirits via a plant-based diet. Katie works at TrueNorth Health Center and Dr. McDougall’s Health and Medical Center, and she is the nutrition educator at Sonoma State University. She holds a master’s degree in nutrition from Bastyr University. Visit PlantBasedKatie.com to see more of her recipes.